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Laura Rutledge: 4 Quick and Easy Meals for an On-the-Go Family

I love a good tailgate this time of year. In my job as an ESPN commentator, I get to go to one every week. And while I most look forward to hanging around college football fans, I also appreciate all the food—the towers of sandwiches on silver trays on the Grove at Ole Miss, the BBQ on the Quad at Alabama where I met my husband, Josh, and anything and everything from the tail-Gators at my alma mater.

But, after traveling for work, it’s the food I cook for (and eat with) my family that brings me the most joy. As moms, we’re always busy, which is why I like to prepare simple and quick recipes for my family. Try these 4 easy meals for families on the go and see if your family loves them as much as mine.

1. Spaghetti Squash Parmesan

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I modified this recipe based on one I tried from Lidey Heuck, and it never disappoints. If the thought of cooking spaghetti squash sounds like too much to handle, take a look at why it really is one of those easy meals for families on the go. You’ll see Josh helps me a little by cutting the squash. So, invite your husband to cook with you.

Ingredients:

1 large spaghetti squash
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
1 package of ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or meatless alternative)
¼ tablespoon dried oregano
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup grated parmesan
Sliced mozzarella
Fresh parsley or basil

What you do:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
Coat both halves in olive oil.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Place squash halves face down on a baking sheet.
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Brown the ground beef and season with oregano.
After removing the baked spaghetti squash from the oven, lower the temperature to 350 degrees.
Shred the baked squash and drain off any excess water.
In a large bowl, mix together the squash, cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, and parmesan.
Add the mixture back into the spaghetti squash shells.
Top with sliced mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
Before serving, add fresh parsley or basil.

2. Crockpot Salsa Chicken

With two small children, I’ve been known to cook with one hand while holding a baby on my hip. Moms develop this skill out of necessity. Maybe that’s why I love this recipe so much. It’s not only the easiest, most flavorful crockpot chicken dish ever, you can literally do it with one hand.

Ingredients:

1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup salsa (red or green)

What you do:

Turn your crockpot on low.
Put the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
Pour the salsa over the chicken.
Cover and cook for 5-6 hours.
Shred and use for tacos, nachos, or even over salad.

3. Keto “Lasagna”

If given the choice, my husband, Josh, would eat this every week. It’s insanely good and healthier than regular lasagna. And while I didn’t include my preschooler, Reese, the first time I posted the video recipe, it’s a dish your young child can easily help you make.

Ingredients:

Italian sausage
2-pound bag of uncooked broccoli florets
16 oz cream cheese, melted
24 oz marinara sauce
1 bag mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
½ cup shredded parmesan

What you do:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
On medium-high heat, crumble and fully cook the sausage in a skillet.
Place the broccoli florets on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes.
Remove cooked broccoli from the oven and lower the temperature to 350 degrees.
Place broccoli in a 9-by-13-inch rectangular casserole dish.
Add the cooked sausage on top of the broccoli.
Spread the melted cream cheese on top of the sausage.
Add the marinara sauce as the next layer.
Top with mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan.
Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

4. Mac and Cheese Bites

These bites might not count as a full meal by themselves. But adding a side of fruit makes them a favorite for little kids, including mine, and is definitely one of those easy meals for families on the go.

Ingredients: